Hall Of Fame Search

Manitowac Fire Department

On the night of May 12, 1995, while responding to a house fire, the crews were told that a person was still inside the burning home. Firefighter Keehan risked his own life to search the second floor for a child trapped by the fire in her home. Entry into the main floor was impossible due to a large amount of fire that had left the stairway completely blocked. Firefighter Keehan climbed a ladder to enter the second floor to search for the missing girl in an area directly above the fire. He had to withstand extreme heat and the dangers of the floor collapsing beneath him. After finding the unconscious girl, he carried her to the ladder and brought her outside. He then continued to battle the blaze until it was brought under control. Tragically, the young girl was not able to survive the ordeal, but was given the best chance possible by the selfless and courageous actions of Firefighter Keehan.

Oshkosh Fire Department

Firefighter Phillips achieved Hall of Fame status through lifetime achievement in the fire service. He served 41 years with the Oshkosh Fire Department, the last 12 as chief, retiring in 1989. Firefighter Phillips has instructed thousands in the fire service on topics such as fire investigation, fire science, arson investigation, officer training, and much more. Phillips has also co-authored two textbooks titled Investigating the Fireground. His lifetime of work, dedicated to educated fellow firefighters, is exemplary and has certainly opened the eyes of many of his students and co-workers. The dedication of people like Phillips provides the rest of us with the tools and knowledge that make firefighters around the world respected by everyone.